List Post

If you’re from Illinois, you know that this state is primarily flat. However, there are quite a few areas that are great for hiking that are not as flat as the rest of the state. Below are five trails that you must check out if you’re from Illinois!


One: Starved Rock State Park

Starved Rock State Park is located near Ottawa and LaSalle and in my opinion, is one of the more widely known state parks. It is located along the Illinois River and offers a variety of different trails that suit multiple difficulty levels. There are flat trails and there are also more difficult hiking trails. The State Park is very easy to get to, and there is a parking lot which can be accessed throughout the day for easy access to the park.

Two: Giant City State Park

Giant City State Park is located south of Carbondale, Illinois, in the Shawnee National Forest. While I have not personally been to this location, it has been on my bucket list to hike at for a while now. There are a few different trails that are great for hiking, as well as excellent views because of the bluffs that are present.

Three: Kankakee River State Park

I grew up going to Kankakee River State Park, and would recommend everyone I know to check this place out for a day. It’s great not only for hiking, but for an all-day trip to barbeque, play sports, whatever it is that you would want to do. It’s a huge State Park lined along the Kankakee River, and offers beautiful scenery while hiking. This location is also great for camping for those of you looking for a longer stay to enjoy the scenery.

Four: Matthiessen State Park

This State Park is also located near Ottawa and LaSalle, relatively close to Starved Rock. This is a smaller State Park, but offers excellent hiking and beautiful views such as waterfalls and canyons which is not to disappoint.

Five: Pere Marquette’s State Park


Pere Marquette’s State Park is located in Fieldon, Illinois, which is toward the southern end of Illinois. This park is known for their scenic lookout points and wide variety of different trails. It is known that these trails are more difficult because of inclines, but that just means that the views must be spectacular at the end. 

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